The instability of plastic deformation in as-quenched martensite

The paper reports on an investigation of the temperature dependence of the rate sensitivity parameter in as-quenched martensite of Fe-24.1wt.%Ni-0.40wt.%C alloy. Most of the ascertained values of the rate sensitivity parameter were negative. Apparently, the rates of dislocation motion surpassed the rates at which the interaction forces attained their maxima. Simultaneously, the temperature ranges of the plastic deformation instabilities were determined. At low temperatures, the activation parameters of plastic deformation U-0=0.31 eV and v* = 10 b(3) were determined. The probable mechanism of plastic deformation in this temperature range was proposed. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science S.A.